Pages

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

If I move back to Fairbanks, I want to start a rockabilly club. It would be a social club where we get together to work on projects (sewing, crafts, cars, etc), go out to eat/drink, go to car shows, etc. I'm wondering if anyone is interested. I haven't come up with a name yet. I guess once I know for sure if I'm moving, I'll make a post on craigslist.

If you're in Fairbanks and you're interested, post a comment and let me know.

Monday, December 30, 2013

I might be moving back to Fairbanks, Alaska. If my dad gets the job he's bidding on, then he'll hire me at just about twice of what I'm making. It's not something I can just pass up.

What ever happened to my guy? I broke it off with him. I like him too much and I don't think he likes me enough. I felt a little disrespected. I tried to make plans and he kept shooting them down. The only one who seems to know how to express my feelings is Roy Orbison.

Guess its back to being alone.

His Christmas present is still on its way. Its a custom order. I don't have his new address, so I think I'm going to mail it to the Fairbanks dojo he trains with. I mean, I don't know what to do with it and it was kind of pricey.

If I had to select some films to explain rockabilly, these are the ones that I would choose. I hope you enjoy!

1. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
This is a musical of an alien invasion by meat-eating plants. Most people might have missed the early version that featured Jack Nicholson in a bit role as the dentist's eager patient, but you're probably more familiar with the Rick Moranis version.

2. Grease (1978)
This one is a little obvious. It's essentially a musical about teenage relationships and Rizzo dealing with possibly being pregnant.

3. Cry Baby (1990)
This is a film about two cliques that don't get along: the drapes and the preppy kids. Its a musical, its fun, and it has Johnny Depp. You'll see sexy women, lots of singing, car racing, and Traci Lords hitting that triangle.

4. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Elvis and his attitude. A classic.

5. Roadracers (1994)
This isn't a super well-known film, but its fucking awesome. It stars David Arquette and Selma Hayek. Robert Rodriguez directed this film in 13 days and this was Selma Hayek's first American film.

6. The Wild One (1953)
This film stars Marlon Brando. Its about two rival motorcycle gangs. Its also a classic.

7. Six-String Samurai (1998)
In an apocalyptic future - the Russians nuked the US as we're told - the person who rules America is the King of Lost Vegas (was previously Elvis). Mix in some awesome martial arts with sweet music by the Red Elvises.

8. True Romance (1993)
This Tarantino film is about true love and selling some drugs to get a start with the future.

9. A League of Their Own (1994)
A film that empowers women by sticking them into a man's world - of baseball. This is a great example of some of the mentalities among the rockabilly crowd, though I think we're WAY more lenient now. And as we all know...."There's no crying in baseball!"

10. Wild At Heart (1990)
This is a film about two lovers who have to fight to be together. Sailor is a criminal and Lula is under her mother's thumb. It stars Nicholas Cage and Laura Dern. Don't miss this one. "This is a snakeskin jacket! And for me it's a symbol of my individuality, and my belief... in personal freedom."

11. Stage Door Canteen (1943)
This is about a few soldiers passing through a club called the Stage Door Canteen before heading off to WWII. There are so many famous people making cameos in this film its insane! I always enjoyed this.

12. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day come across a murder plot while vacationing. Alfred Hitchcock films are awesome.

13. Psycho (1960)
Another Hitchcock film. This is his best film in my opinion.

14.Where The Boys Are (1960)
This is my favorite beach movie. A group of college girls go to the beach for spring break and meet up with boys, love, and trouble. Frank Gorshin is in this film too!

15. Pick any film made about a music from this time period.
The Buddy Holly Story (1978)
Ray (2004)
Great Balls of Fire (1989)
Walk The Line (2005)

Sunday, December 29, 2013

It's all about how plus-sized women are now wanting to be termed "curvy". I think this is absurd. The term "curvy" is for women with the hourglass figure. Women with this figure can range from skinny to plus-size, but to call fat women curvy is an inappropriate use of the word. I propose using the term "convex" simply because fat women have a more convex shape.

People are going to hate this blog post, I know it. It probably won't matter if I tell you that I was, at one point, very plus-size - mainly convex in the butt/thigh region. If you're pissed about this post, really consider how you're using your words and also consider why you look the way you do. I am short, a bit stocky, but my bust-waist-hip ratio has me placed as having an hourglass figure. Its taken me years to slim down (eating right and going to the gym) to get to where I am. Am I curvy? Yes. Am I plus-sized? Absolutely not. I'm a size 6 and I am still working to get down to a size 4. For those of us who work hard to stay healthy and fit, and who happen to be curvy, having a bunch of fatties call themselves "curvy" makes it an insult. I've mentioned to people that I'm curvy and their responses are always the same: "You're not fat." I am not fat, though I feel I still need to work on a few areas to beat the cellulite, but I never mean that I am fat when I use the word "curvy".

A study done in 2005 at North Carolina State University found that out of 6000 women 46% were banana (rectangular), just over 20% pear, just under 14% apple, and 8% hourglass. Click here to read.

I think America needs to grow a backbone. Its grown soft and emo. If you are fat and you feel sad/angry/embarrassed by your size, then its up to YOU to fix yourself by eating right and working out. I personally went to a natural medicine doctor and found that I had a thyroid problem (we got it fixed without permanent pills). I now work out about 6 times a week and I eat paleo. I'd use the term "diet", but if you're already pissed then you might misconstrue that word just as you have "curvy". Funny how if I was to say "deer is a major part of a mountain lion's diet", you'd know that I just meant diet as "usual eating habits".

I've been working on a resort idea that is based on fantasy Medieval/Renaissance/Fairytales. I'd divulge more, but I'm a little paranoid of people stealing my ideas.

I am alone for Christmas. That seems to be a new usual thing for me. Last year I was alone too. This year I will not only be by myself, but I get to work. Yip-pee.

I want to get the word out: I'm looking to move. I need a job lined up in order to do that. I have a BA in History and a BA in 2D Animation. I would love a job as a researcher or with an archaeology team or at a museum. I just want to be paid at least $15/hour (hopefully more). I don't get sick (its been 2-1/2 years since I was last sick). I like to be outside, go hiking, camping, etc. I enjoy writing reports. I will gladly work long hours. Any location. I am willing to relocate and can be moved within 3-4 weeks.

Monday, November 18, 2013

I was watching A Clockwork Orange yesterday when it occurred to me that the film is exactly where we (as a society) are heading. If you haven't seen the film or read the book: what the fuck is wrong with you?! The book was written by Anthony Burgess and the film was directed by Stanley Kubrick. Its about a guy named Alex who is the leader of a gang. He eventually kills a lady and gets sent to jail. There's an experimental "cure all", in regards to crime, and Alex gladly volunteers so he can get out of jail sooner. Most people will tell you that this is a story of nature vs. nurture, a social commentary on youth violence, and a commentary on justice and psychology. I'm going to tell you that I think its a prediction of where we're heading.

Here's Alex, a kid who is still in school (we know because he misses some school) who has no concept of consequences for his actions. He drinks spiked milk at the Korova Milk Bar (spiked with drugs) with his "droogs" (his gang members) before going out for some "of the old ultra-violence". He's quite familiar with fighting, rape, assault, car jacking, stealing, breaking and entering, and being sadistic. Alex and his droogs simply shrug off what they do as being fun and normal.

Lets think about people today. There is a growing element of thug culture spurring up in America. I blame shitty rap music, tv shows/movies by racial groups for racial groups (Tyler Perry is not funny to anyone I know - understand?), the promotion of thugs/gangsters being cool, and tv shows that are "risque" like Breaking Bad or Weeds. This shit makes people dull to violence and crime (unless it happens to them of course, then the whole world comes apart). They need to start re-playing The Cosby Show and The Andy Griffith Show. At least there would be something good-natured on tv.

Back to A Clockwork Orange...The next aspect of this movie that I want to address are the people around Alex. At home, his parents are there physically, but they could really care less. They go through the motions, but have no actual connection to him. He doesn't go to school because he has a headache. His mom is so passive about it, she just kind of goes "okay" and leaves the house. Both of his parents work, but they do not enforce any punishment for bad actions. The one man who seems a little crazy is Alex's counselor. He comes off as being crazy because he's ready to whoop Alex for his bad decisions. He actually wants Alex to know that there are consequences for his actions. The other people are just "the masses" and are not significant.

Alex's parents remind me of my cousin and her husband. They don't punish their kids and their two boys run wild most of the time. Sometimes all it takes is one good swat to make kids rethink their future actions. Sometimes it also takes saying "No" and sticking to your word to make a point. The thing about all of this is that I know there are a lot of people out there like my cousin and her family. They'd rather try to reason with these little kids (who haven't developed those skills yet) than deliver a single swat.
The worst part in this movie, by worst I mean terrifying, is when Alex is being beaten by some homeless people and the cops come over to help him. Once the cops push the homeless people away, its revealed that they're none other than Georgie and Dim, two of Alex's droogs. They basically tell Alex that they had to find a way to fit into society and make some money, so they became cops. My brain just screams "Corruption of the system!"

While not everyone will turn out to be an Alex, its more likely that they'll become Georgie's and Dim's. Isn't that a scary thought?

Monday, October 28, 2013

I've been listening to a lot of talk radio lately and I heard something the other day about changing our nation's welfare state. I am not super political, I don't align myself with any particular party, but I do think this country is currently headed for the shitter.

First off, let me give you a basic understanding of what a "welfare state" is. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica a welfare state is a "concept of government in which the state
plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and
social well-being of its citizens. It is based on the principles of
equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public
responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal
provisions for a good life."

I feel that in today's society there are too many people abusing the programs offered by the USA. I have some solutions that are sure to be unpopular with a lot of people, but take some time to think them over.

1. Audit those on welfare and disability, including drug testing. There are a lot of unemployed people out there right now chomping at the bit for work that pays well. These audits should have a required urine test and its aim should be to help people prioritize what's important. Do you get your hair and nails done every week, but still have issues with getting food to your kids? Do you have a drug problem? Do you spend everything on booze and cigarettes before paying your bills? Are you on full disability but you really shouldn't be? Do you have the latest iphone, a fancy car, and party all the time while collecting a government check? These things should disqualify people for receiving government money with very few exceptions (like having served in the armed forces).

2. Limit time to be on welfare to a 5 year maximum. Welfare is set up to provide a helping hand, not to be relied upon as a source of permanent income. 5 years on welfare is enough time to assist a single mother until her child is old enough to attend full time school. Complaining about this? Try getting a job! I also think that with limited welfare, there should be a program to get people into a skilled trade (there are lots of options when it comes to skilled trades) or factory work.

3. Reform the "No Child Left Behind Act". This stupid act means that classes go as fast as the slowest student and/or the slow student just gets passed. You hear about people not knowing how to read or spell or do simple algebra...this is why.

4. Raise the standards of public education. Believe it or not, our schools are severely lacking. They want everyone to feel warm and fuzzy. They pass out dumb awards (graduating from kindergarten, etc), don't encourage the important stuff (science fair, debate club, etc), and let students fall victim to educational ennui. They should go back to some old standards like Latin and a basic knowledge of fine arts. Classes should have more of a group discussion feel instead of the basic lecturing feel because its more engaging.

5. Repeal Obamacare. I've been against this from the start. I do not like Obama. I do not like Obamacare. I will not support this. I will work hard and earn my healthcare the old fashioned way.

6. Change Food Stamps. I've seen people buy the worst stuff on food stamps. Food stamps should be for basic food stuff: bulk items (flour, sugar, beans, rice, etc), milk, yogurt, eggs, meat, bread, and produce. No junk food, alcohol, frozen pizza, etc. Learn to cook and learn to eat healthy. You'll have less problems and you'll thank yourself. It's not the government telling you what you can and can't purchase. It's the government allowing you the opportunity to purchase certain foods with government money. Get a fucking job and you can buy your own frozen pizzas.

7. Mental Asylums & Orphanages, Bring Them Back. With social services being a stronger force, I think that bringing back orphanages would be a good thing. It would give the state a safe place to house and educate children. Each orphanage could even have a small social service office (2 or 3 people) to help place children, keep an eye on them, etc. Orphanages got a bad rap at the turn of the century, but social services was not in place at the time. Also, lets bring back mental asylums. Why not keep the crazy people in a designated place? It would mean that part of our taxes would go to keeping it afloat, but there's also quite a bit of research grant money out there too.

If I come up with more stuff, I'll add it. Do you agree or disagree with me?

Saturday, October 26, 2013

I like to cast movies in my mind, just as a fun thought exercise. Let me know what you think.

If there was a female version of "The Expendables". The challenge is finding women who look and/or appear to actually be able to kick ass. They need to intimidate and not be weary of piling on the muscles for the film.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Yesterday I had the WORST headache for about 7 solid hours. Finally talked to my guy...he neglected to tell me that he was back from his trip, but okay. Anyway, I came up with a new plan: to get a morning, part time job. I had four days off, split down the middle with one day of work, and realized that every time I have time off I get bummed out. Why? It's pretty simple. I don't like being in Oregon, I don't like the work I'm doing, and I don't like how I'm not in my guy's life in a physical sense (I want to hang out with him). I've been told that I just have to suck it up and deal with it. I don't like that answer. I'm still living out of boxes like I have been since early August. I'm tempted to sell it all or throw it away or something.

On a brighter note, I'm getting more focused on writing articles for Ultra Swank. "Why?", you might never ask. I want to write about something I'm not only interested in, but something that I wish I could live - yes, in the past when morals were valued and hard work paid off. This day and age two bachelor degrees and a strong work ethic can't get you anything except minimum wage jobs in fields not even remotely related to your educational background. Way to go America. I like your new socialist apron. Perhaps I can strangle you with it before you ruin the BBQ.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Maybe 'caper' isn't the right word, but it sounds good for a blog post title. I went on a big hunt for Booberry cereal a few days ago and finally found some. I don't buy cereal very often, but the one time of the year I do get cereal it's for Halloween cereal - usually Booberry. Interesting fact: There's enough food coloring in a bowl of this cereal to turn your poop a new color! Seriously, it freaked me out.

As you might have noticed, I have a growing list of articles that are being posted over at Ultra Swank. I have more up my sleeve for that blog. *smile* I just don't want to overwhelm them by sending in a whole shit load all at once. I wanted to put this out there though: Ultra Swank is looking for more contributors.

I'm currently listening to the B-52s. Aren't they great? At my parent's house I have two albums on vinyl (Party Mix and Mesopotamia). I should retrieve my vinyl at some point soon. I have some other gems like David Bowie's Young Americans.

Not sure what I'm going to do for Halloween. I was thinking about going out to dinner (yep, by myself) and then over to the new martini lounge for a martini. I'm not sure though. That seems like money poorly spent.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

It's 8:45am and I'm sitting here in my pink robe, sweatpants, and winter socks wondering what the hell I'm doing with myself. I was up at 5am today, granted I was zoned out while watching an episode of Ugly Betty on Netflix before I really got moving, but by 6:30am I was at the gym. I don't like to leave for the gym past 7am. The equipment I use is always taken if I leave later. Anyway, I did my weights, then I did my cardio. I ran 2.02 miles in 18 minutes, which makes me proud of myself. *big smile*

Sometimes we don't get a direct path to where we want to be.

I'm still hunting for a job in AZ and I might be a new contributor over at the Ultra Swank blog. My book should be coming out pretty soon. I'm just waiting to hear from my editor on it. I'm also hoping to tone up and maybe drop 10-15 lbs of fat. I'm worried about not being able to get Christmas gifts for people, the five people I want to get gifts for. I'm trying to force myself to get out for Halloween, but I don't really want to spend money....ARGH! I don't know if it would help if I got a day planner and just start writing everything out.

I keep hearing from everyone that "it'll happen if it's meant to be" or something along those lines, generally in regards to my pursuit of an actual career and relationship. I keep applying and I keep hoping, and strangely enough I see signs everywhere. AZ comes up multiple times on a daily basis just from work and signs and the radio. Maybe things will snap into place by December. That would be awesome.

I'll keep you all posted about Ultra Swank - which I highly recommend checking out if you haven't already.

After a phone call with my guy that lasted until 3:30am, I feel 100% better. I even got to the gym today. My Guy, btw, took first place in breaking and second place in patterns! He's gearing up for ITF taekwondo nationals this next year and he's opening up an ITF taekwondo school in the Phoenix-area.

I tried this recipe that I found the other day for Orange-Pumpkin Jello. I roasted and pureed a small pumpkin, then divided the puree into two ziploc bags. The first bag, I dumped into a bowl and mixed in some ginger, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of agave nectar (cause I don't do sugar). I opened a box of orange jello and added 1 cup of boiling water, but only 2/3 cup of cold water. I whisked in the spiced pumpkin puree and threw the concoction into the fridge. I came home from work and tried it out. Its strangely good.

Okay, so I didn't whisk it THAT well. Its still good.

My next thing to make (maybe today) is Pumpkin Tapioca Pudding. I love Halloween, so expect a lot of baking and cooking this month.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

I saw this on pinterest and thought it deserved a good word since it's awesome!

Homemade for about $5

Alien Abduction Lamp How-To
The best part about this lamp is that its made from items from the dollar store and it can be made pretty quickly. It would be fun to see a variety of these made and put on display.

Alien Abduction Lamp $110

The lamp was originally inspired by http://abductionlamp.com/ which actually sells something similar. The Abduction Lamp uses LEDs, has three light settings, cool packaging, and is professionally made.

This would also look awesome in a living room if you had a 50s scifi theme going on.

While this blog is focused around a gothabilly/50s perspective of life, I should let you all know that I like to go hiking and fishing, I like to have mini-adventures (real ones are far and few), I like to make food, I like art and movies, I like to workout, and so much more.